If you’re planning to visit Iceland but can’t venture far from Reykjavík, or if you want to perhaps just visit one of Iceland’s more overshadowed regions, you’ll want to check out the Reykjanes Peninsula. The region is a raw and rugged treasure located just minutes away from Keflavík International Airport, boasting world-famous attractions like the Blue Lagoon, and is famed for recent volcanic activity. For a relatively small area of land, there is so much to do on the peninsula - but what are the best things to see and do?
Whether you’re looking for things to do immediately after landing in Iceland or want to wrap up your trip with some amazing experiences, exploring the best things to do in Reykjanes Peninsula makes for the perfect start or finish to your Iceland adventure. In this guide, we’ll share what the best things are to do and see in the area, from geothermal hotspots to Viking history and much more!
Where is the Reykjanes Peninsula, and How Do You Get There?
Located in southwest Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula stretches out into the North Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula sits directly between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, making it ideally situated for travelers visiting Iceland. Despite its convenient location, Reykjanes remains surprisingly empty of crowds, making it the perfect place to visit for those who want to experience a bit of Iceland’s raw beauty.
To get to Reykjanes from Keflavík International Airport, simply jump in your rental car and exit the airport on Route 41, then head south on Route 44. Before long, you’ll be on the peninsula and can choose your first destination!
If you’re departing from Reykjavík, you’ll need to head south on Route 40 to make your way towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Eventually, you’ll reach Route 41, which takes you onto the peninsula.
Why is the Reykjanes Peninsula Worth Visiting?
In addition to its close proximity to connections and the capital of Iceland, Reykjanes is worth visiting because it’s fascinating and beautiful. The peninsula is part of a geologically active zone, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This results in bubbling mud pools, steaming geothermal fields, and active volcanic landscapes, making for some amazing sights.
Another element that makes the region worth visiting is that most of the best things to do in the Reykjanes Peninsula are within an hour’s drive of each other, making the area perfect for a day trip or even a longer road trip, if you want to stretch things out.
Top 5 Things to Do on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Now that you’ve made it to Reykjanes, what should you do? Here’s our list of the best things to do in the region.
Soak in the Legendary Blue Lagoon
Few people come to the Reykjanes Peninsula without entertaining the idea of visiting the famous Blue Lagoon. Tucked away in a lava field, this famous geothermal spa is worth a visit if visiting iconic Icelandic locations is at the top of your list.
The lagoon’s milky-blue and mineral-rich waters are naturally heated by geothermal activity. What’s more, they are believed to have skin-healing properties, thanks to the high concentration of algae and silica. There’s nothing quite like floating in these warm waters and allowing your skin to absorb all the natural goodness!
Tips for visiting:
- Advance booking is essential, especially in peak season.
- On-site, you’ll find luxurious changing rooms, a swim-up bar, restaurants, and even an upscale hotel and spa.
Explore the Reykjanes Geopark
Visiting the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark should be at the top of your list. This expansive volcanic landscape covers a large portion of the peninsula. Comprised of lava fields, steam vents, mud pools, and jagged cliffs, it’s an amazing landscape carved by thousands of years of geothermal activity.
Top things to see:
- Gunnuhver Hot Springs.
- Brimketill Lava Rock Pool.
- Valahnúkamöl Cliffs.
Visit Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
Iceland is home to many striking lighthouses, but this one, towering proudly above the windswept cliffs, is Iceland’s oldest. Reykjanesviti Lighthouse was built in 1878 and still guides ships safely to port to this day. Popular with visitors who enjoy seaside walks and photography opportunities, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse is a must-see on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What to expect:
- The lighthouse isn’t open to the public, but the surrounding viewpoints are excellent for snapping photos and taking in the views.
- The area is often covered in a layer of mist or sea-spray, making it feel eerie and otherworldly.
- Keep an eye on the water below the cliffs for seabirds and amazing wave formations crashing in from the sea.
Discover Geothermal Areas
As an area heavily impacted by Iceland’s geothermal activity, there is no shortage of geothermal areas to explore. Discover fascinating and prehistoric-looking mud pots, steam vents, sprawling lava fields, and more. Each of these areas offers something unique, so if geology is of interest to you, it’s worth visiting them all.
Geothermal Areas Worth Visiting on the Reykjanes Peninsula:
- Seltún Geothermal Area.
- Krýsuvík Geothermal Area.
Visit the Viking World Museum
Take a break from geothermal activity and wild landscapes, and step back into time at the Viking World Museum! View a stunning Viking longship replica, which actually sailed from New York to Iceland in 2000, celebrating Leif Erikson’s journey to North America in 1000 AD!
Enjoy interactive exhibitions on Norse mythology, Viking history, and a fascinating look at Iceland’s settlement. There’s also a children’s area with seasonal exhibitions.
Tips for Visiting:
- Enjoy the café with views over the Faxaflói Bay.
- The museum is fully indoors, making it perfect on days with blustery or wet weather conditions.
Now you have everything you need to see some of the best sights on Iceland’s wild Reykjanes Peninsula. All that’s left to do is get out there and start adventuring!